Lexington artist opens first show of oil paintings

Thursday

May 17, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 17, 2007 at 5:10 PM

On Friday, June 2 in the Remis Lobby Gallery at The Performing Arts Center of Governor’s Academy (formerly Governor Dummer Academy) in Byfield, Mass., Lexington native Rick Hayes will open his first public exhibition of large-scale oil paintings, organized around the theme “Smooth Scenes. Rumpled Beds. Unmade People.”

On Friday, June 2 in the Remis Lobby Gallery at The Performing Arts Center of Governor’s Academy (formerly Governor Dummer Academy), Hayes will open his first public exhibition of large-scale oil paintings, organized around the theme “Smooth Scenes. Rumpled Beds. Unmade People.”

With a sure hand and sophisticated painterly style, Hayes deftly and vibrantly captures moments in time — the spirit of a Navajo elder, a down-on-his luck fellow at a diner table, or a bed which has recently been abandoned. The opening reception will include wine, food and the guitar artistry of Chris Brenne.

Hayes has been making art for as long as he can remember. Hayes has lived in Lexington, Manchester by-the-Sea, Newbury, Topsfield, Wenham, Byfield and now resides in Georgetown. His paintings are steeped in his love of the New England landscape and his encounters with its people.

Hayes’ love of old barns and moonlit nights, the eroding cliffs of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard and wind-swept sand dunes is palpable in his landscape paintings.

He began painting with oils six years ago. This exhibition marks Hayes’ first showing of large-scale oil paintings.

The reception is from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Performing Arts Center, Governer’s Academy, 1 Elm Street, Byfield, Mass.

Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or any time by contacting school security).